Israel Proposes Ceasefire to Hamas

Temporary Ceasefire for 42-60 Days

Conditions for Mutual Release of Hostages and Prisoners

Israel has proposed a new ceasefire negotiation to the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

On the 5th, the American political media Axios reported, citing sources, that Israel recently conveyed a new negotiation plan, confirmed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, some ministers, and security agency heads, to Hamas through Egypt, the mediator.

The negotiation plan includes a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas for 42-60 days, during which Hamas would prioritize the release of Israeli hostages, including women, men over 50, and critically ill patients. In exchange, Israel proposed to release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, including those serving life sentences.

An Israeli government official stated, "We are waiting for Hamas's response," and added, "We will be able to confirm within a few days whether Hamas is willing to negotiate within the framework we proposed." Axios noted, "The negotiation proposal from Israel is similar to previous ones," but added, "The period has been extended compared to the past 42-day ceasefire, and fewer hostages are being demanded for release." Israel estimates that about 40-50 hostages held in the Gaza Strip are still alive.

Israel entered a 60-day ceasefire with Lebanon's pro-Iranian militant group Hezbollah on the 27th of last month. However, negotiations with Hamas have been stalled since a temporary ceasefire agreed in November last year ended after a week. The attitude of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump could also be a variable in this negotiation. President-elect Trump recently suggested on social media that if Hamas does not release the hostages by January 20, when he takes office, there will be consequences, hinting at the possibility of using force.

Reporter Lim Dayeon allopen@hankyung.com